Since making his high school debut with three touchdown catches in Durant’s preseason opener against Blake, freshman wide receiver Agiye Hall has found his niche as an important part of the Cougars’ offense. Against Sickles on Sept. 1, Hall caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carlton Potter to tie the game at 14-14 in the second quarter. Durant went on to win, 28-14.
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So you went to Burnett Middle School and chose to attend Durant instead of a school closer to you. What made you pick Durant?
Academic-wise, because Armwood didn’t really have good academics. I just wanted to be a student-athlete on and off the field.
How long have you been playing football?
About eight years.
What got you into it?
My mom said she wanted me to try it because I did basketball. So I was like, ‘Sure, why not.’
Still play basketball?
Yeah, I do track and basketball now. And football.
Which is your favorite?
Football. It’ll always be football.
What does it feel like, coming on as a freshman and you’re already making an impact?
It feels really great. I feel like if I can do more, I can be even better.
What are your strengths?
I’m best at blocking, making great catches.
What other positions have you played?
Running back. I’ve played safety, corner, outside linebacker and also (defensive) end.
Which is your favorite?
Wide receiver.
Durant’s a pretty stable program that sticks to its traditions. When you first got there, how long did it take to go with the flow and mesh in with this group?
Just a week, not so long. As soon as stuff started happening over and over I just got grooving and I started rolling with the wave.
What’s the best thing about playing with these guys?
More competition. A lot more competition … it makes me want to work harder and harder to be the best.
When did you feel like you started to fit in?
As soon as I got there. Everybody welcomed me and said I was really good, so I took that on and got better.
You had a great preseason game. How did you feel afterward?
I felt great. But I felt like I didn’t do the best I can.
What are your goals?
15 touchdowns, over 1,000 yards receiving and to get better, like always.